IGAR (S) treads on unbeaten track with Ningol Chakkouba
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 22 2010: For the first time ever, IGAR (S) hosted a Ningol Chakkouba festival, albeit belatedly, with womenfolk of various community of the State invited to a feast at its Mantripukhri camp.

While IGAR (S) Maj Gen CA Krishnan personally welcomed the womenfolk drawn from the majority Meitei, Muslim and tribals, the womenfolk offered fruits and other eatables (Athenpot) to the rank and file of the IGAR (S), in the same tradition ningol Chakkouba is celebrated.

Mrs CA Krishnan was also present to welcome the guests.

IGAR (S) presents a shawl to Padmashree Ksh Thouranishabi

In his address, Maj Gen Krishnan applauded the contribution of the Manipuri womenfolk in all walks of life and added it was an honour to host the Ningols, who are like sisters to them.

Apart from presenting gifts to the participants, the IG called upon the women folk to continue playing their role for peace and development.

On behalf of the participants, women speakers expressed confidence that the gesture of the AR to strengthen brother sister bond would be reflected in cordial relationships between the security forces and the general public.

Tradition was something that was strictly adhered to, with the women eating on plantain leaves and the Assam Rifles officers attired in Pheijoms.

Apart from the presence of quite a number of distinguished women from different walks of life including Padeshree Ksh Thouraneesabi Devi, Mrs Woleng wife of the former Secretary of MPSC, the young lady MCS officer, who is presently the Additional Director of DIPR.

A rather touching moment was when one of the tribal women recalled that as a school girl she had won an essay writing competition, by writing on Ningol Chakkouba as her topic, while she had never attended one in her life.

"This is my first time that I am participating in a Ningol Chakkouba," she added.

It was also a pleasant sight to see the Assam Rifles men, serving water to the invitees, while they had their food.